Kenji Tanaka

Kenji Tanaka is a combustion dynamics specialist who spent six years at JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) working on the LE-9 engine program for the H3 launch vehicle. His expertise spans hybrid and liquid propulsion systems, combustion instability analysis, and high-temperature materials testing.

At JPL, Kenji brings operational rigor and deep hands-on experience to the IGNIS program. He designed the regeneratively-cooled nozzle assembly, developed the test stand safety protocols, and personally oversees every static fire test. His JAXA heritage shows in the meticulous attention to procedure — and in the quiet confidence of someone who has stood next to a running rocket engine more times than he can count.

"At JAXA, I worked on engines that cost millions. At JPL, we build engines that cost thousands — and learn just as much. Constraints breed creativity."